A Guide to Using the Library Catalogue

Transcription

1 Western Isles Libraries Leabharlainn nan Eilean Siar A Guide to Using the Library Catalogue

2 The library catalogue can be found at via the Western Isles Libraries website, where you will find links to the library catalogue. The front page of Western Isles Libraries online catalogue now looks like this. From this home page it is possible to: Search the catalogue Manage your account Renew and Request items Access Online Resources

3 Search the catalogue 1) Type title, author or subject in the text box. 2) Click on arrow to right of Keyword and choose the option you want from the menu. 3) Limit your search according to the type of material you want to find by clicking on the 1. All Formats drop-down menu and clicking on one of the items on the list Useful tip: Typing an asterisk (*) after your search term can bring back search results even if you have spelt something wrong. e.g. typing a wanted ma into the search bar will not bring back good results, but by typing a wanted ma* in to the search bar will populate results for a wanted man, etc.

4 Advanced Searching Advanced searches allow you to perform more complex searches by providing more options.

5 You can access the Advanced Search menu by clicking on the link on the home page of the catalogue: Or from the Search Results page:

6 The main difference from the basic search screen is that there are three different search rows. The available search options (keyword, title, subject, author and series) are the same but you may use one or several at the same time. For example, you could search by the following: There is also the option to add extra fields onto the search form by using the Add Search Row button. 2. Clicking the X button at the end of the search box removes that search row. 3. The Reset Form button can be used to clear all data that has been entered in to the form. 4. The Submit Search button is used to execute the search.

7 Manage Your Account You can now manage your library account via the catalogue. To do this you can log in from the home page of the catalogue: Or by clicking the link at the left hand side of the search screen:

8 Logging In and Passwords To log into your account, you will need to type in your user name or library card number. If using your library card number, remember to type it in leaving out all the spaces; for example; The first time you log into your account, you will automatically be asked to change your password. N.B. If you do not currently have a library PIN number, just leave the password field blank and click on the Login button. If after doing this, you are still unable to log in, please contact Stornoway Library ( ) and ask a member of staff to reset your password for you. If you would like to log in with a username instead of your library card number, contact a member of staff to set this up for you. If you forget your password you can have it reset either by asking a member of staff or by clicking on the Forgot your password link located under the login button.

9 Your account is separated into several folders: Account Summary change personal details view any messages put on by library staff Items on Loan check what you have out and renew it Items on hold Fines check what you have requested, cancel or suspend a request check if you have any outstanding charges to pay Account Preferences change the size of the font in the catalogue change the way you would like us to contact you My Bookbags create reading lists that you can share with others Useful Tip When you first log in to your account, visit Account Preferences. Make sure that your Default Search Range is set to Local Library System. This will make sure that every search you make while logged in, is for all of Western Isles stock.

10 Placing Holds (Requests) A hold can be placed either from the search results page or from within an individual record. Search results page view: Record view:

11 When you click the Place Hold link, you will be prompted for your username/barcode and password. N.B. If you are already logged into the catalogue you will not be prompted for this information again. Once you have logged in you will see information about your hold and of your contact details before you place your hold.

12 Bookbags To create a Bookbag, you need to: Name it Select whether to share it or not Click the Submit button and then, OK the following confirmation pop-up.

13 To add items to a Bookbag, search for an item and open the title record to view the full item details. From this screen you will be able to add an item to your Bookbag from the More Actions drop down menu at the right-hand side of the screen. From the My Bookbags screen in My Account you can click on your Bookbag s name to view the title and author information of items placed in it. The option to remove items will also appear.

14 To share a Bookbag, click on the View link: Doing this opens a new window which displays the contents of the Bookbag. From here you can copy and then send the URL on to others to share. Anyone who receives your Bookbag, can click on any of the hyperlinks in the text which will give them more information. Your personal account information remains private, and is not passed on to anyone who you share a Bookbag with. [Based on A Guide to Using the Library Catalogue